We’ve all felt tremendous sorrow, disappointment, and a deep sense of shame for having sinned against God for the umpteenth time. But the wonderful thing about the Lord is that if we repent with a genuine heart, we have the chance to be forgiven.
His grace is still accessible, and God can still perform miracles through you. Do you need proof? Let us tell you about these five biblical figures who were forgiven and utilized by God despite their wrongdoing.
David’s adultery
“The man after God’s heart,” as we all know David. Even though God had selected him to be king, he committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of the soldier Uriah whom he had murdered (2 Samuel 11).
David was well-versed in God’s rules, yet the Bible also tells us that his actions had angered the Lord. On the other hand, David was pardoned, but he had to bear the repercussions of his adultery.
“I have sinned against the Lord!” David told Nathan. Nathan told David, “The Lord forgives your transgression; you will not perish.” But the boy born to you will die because you have led the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme by committing this act.( 2 Samuel 12:13)
The murder of Moses
Before God summoned Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he committed murder. Exodus chapter 2 contains this tale. When an Egyptian hit one of Moses’ Hebrew brothers, he resolved to repay the favour by murdering him, burying his body in the sand, and fleeing.
But this same Moses is used by God to set his people free a few years later!
Rahab’s prostitution
The tale of Rahab may be found in Joshua 2 and 6. The Israelites sent spies into Jericho before assaulting it, and they were concealed with the prostitute Rahab. In exchange, the young lady requested that her family be spared during the Israelite invasion.
As a result, they will be spared the slaughter and will join Israel’s people. According to Matthew’s genealogy, we find David and, many years later, Jesus among his family’s ancestors. Isn’t it wonderful to discover a former prostitute in Christ’s family tree?
Paul’s persecutions
Before becoming an apostle, Saul of Tarsus was one of the Church’s most zealous persecutors. He went door to door, taking early Christians to jail and even seeing their public execution.
He was there at the stoning of Stephen, for example. This is why, in 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul refers to himself as the “first of sinners.” God used Paul to preach the gospel despite his tumultuous background and make him one of Christianity’s most recognizable leaders.
The idolatry of Solomon
The son of King David was known for his intelligence and wealth. However, he defied God when he allowed his 700 wives and 300 concubines to persuade him to worship their idols and gods.
Solomon realized towards the conclusion of his life that his life had been nothing but vanity, and he encouraged everyone to fear God and remember that we shall all be held accountable for our lives one day.
